A great scholar, in the highest sense of the term, is not one who depends simply on an infinite memory, but also on an infinite and electrical power of combination; bringing together from the four winds, like the Angel of the Resurrection, what else were dust from dead men's bones, into the unity of breathing life.

The whole body of the arts and sciences composes one vast machinery for the irritation and development of the human intellect.

Thou hast the keys of Paradise, oh, just, subtle, and mighty opium!

No man will ever unfold the capacities of his own intellect who does not at least checker his life with solitude.

The pulpit style of Germany has been always rustically negligent, or bristling with pedantry.

Reserve is the truest expression of respect towards those who are its objects.

If once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing; and from robbing he comes next to drinking and Sabbath-breaking, and from that to incivility and procrastination.